Alabama is the only SEC team that returns a quarterback (AJ McCarron) who passed for 30 touchdowns, a running back (Yeldon) who rushed for more than 10 touchdowns and a receiver (Amari Cooper) who caught more than 10 touchdown passes.

The fact that Yeldon was a backup is what makes that line so ridiculous.

Alabama sent its No. 1 running back to the NFL and only retained perhaps the next best in the conference (Georgia sophomore tandem Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall are in this conversation, too).

Playing for Alabama, particularly this season, gives Yeldon the perfect platform to snag the Heisman Trophy. The spotlight is on them, but everything is well-put in place for Yeldon to do his thing.

It’s almost impossible to predict in August who’s going to win that award in December. No one had Johnny Manziel as a Heisman hopeful a year ago.

Still, if there’s a guy you can track with expectations for, it’s T.J. Yeldon.

Alabama’s reputation has shown they know something about harnessing premiere running back talent. The big question for the Crimson Tide is the always reliable offensive line. They’ve enjoyed continuity in those positions, but this year, only two starters return from the championship squad.

Yeldon could have a sophomore slump, or the line could force him to reemerge in 2014.

That’s why they play the games on the field. But right now, the writing’s on the wall for a candidacy trip to Times Square.